Best Travel Headphones

Are you interested in buying the best travel headphones, but with such a wide array of choice out there you are not sure which one to select? We are here to help you in this buyer’s guide to make the right decision and purchase the best headphones for your needs. We have done the research and came up with 10 premium products for travelers.

Moreover, we have created 3 different price categories, which means you are guaranteed to find something you like whether you’re on a budget or not. Also, you can read our buying considerations section if you’ve never bought a pair of traveling headphones before. Here you will find out what features to look for that adds value to the traveling experience.

By the time you finish reading this buyer’s guide we are confident that you’ll have a good idea of what you need and make an educated choice when selecting your perfect set of headphones.

Top Buying Considerations

Portability

Portability is one major factor to consider when buying traveling headphones. Nowadays most headphones come with a traveling case, which makes them safe and easy to store. Also, weight should be something you look at too, because some headphones can way up to a pound and therefore be a liability when traveling.

Moreover, some headphones are completely foldable, which means they will take up even less room than ordinary headphones. However, make sure to use the carrying case included, otherwise you can scratch and over-bend the headphones if packed without a layer of protection.

Comfort

The comfort of your headphones must be excellent if you are to enjoy your audio experience. Wearing earpads that apply too much pressure can lead to strain and pain when wearing for long durations.

On-ear headphones have a higher chance of giving you uncomfortable strain after wearing for hours, which is why the over-ear design is more ideal. However, not all on-ear headphones are uncomfortable – it all depends on the earmuff padding and materials used.

An over the ear design is best for traveling as they are usually more comfortable to wear and even help with noise isolation. Also, you can go for an open back design that allows air to breeze through, but this means there will be no noise isolation and ambient sounds can ruin the listening experience.

Audio quality

Audio should be the main concern when purchasing a pair of travel headphones, because traveling with distorted terrible audio can be a nightmare. Here are some of the main factors you should be looking at:

Design: in this list you will find two options – on-ear and over-ear designs. Each has their benefits and minuses, for example on-ear designs can strain ears after prolonged use. Over-ear designs can be more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time and are often noise isolating reducing unwanted ambient sounds.

Frequency response: the frequency range determines the breadth of notes your headphones will be able to pick up. The average is around 20 Hz to 20k Hz, which is ideal and anything wider than that is just a bonus.

Noise cancelation: when traveling it can be extremely annoying to hear your surroundings, especially noisy airplane engines. As a result, going for a headphone with active noise cancelation is a must. These headphones eliminate ambient noise and leaves you with crystal clear audio. In addition, most headphones nowadays come with the option to completely turn of ANC when needed making them safe to use near bus stops, train stations, and other busy areas.

Connectivity technology

Bluetooth technology is great because you don’t have the hassle of a cable cord tangling onto objects. Make sure to purchase a pair of headphones that use Bluetooth 4.0 plus, anything less can cause slow and distorted connections.

However, going for a wired version isn’t that bad either, since you don’t need to worry about charging your headphones before leaving for a trip. The only drawback is that you can over-extended the cable many times and wear out the cables inside.

Brand

Going for a well-known brand is almost always the better option, because this guarantees a quality product as you know their reputation. However, this isn’t always the case as there are some smaller brands that create equally good headphones with a lower price point. It’s up to you to take the time to research them and make the decision to buy their products.

Top Traveling Headphones Under $100

Do you need a pair of traveling headphones, but cannot go over $100? Then this category is where you should be look as there are is an abundance of options that come with a variety of features.

However, keep in mind that this price category does not provide the same level of audio quality as the higher categories. Therefore, you need to decide how important sound quality is to you and make an informed decision if you should raise your budget.

1. COWIN E7 Active Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones

The COWIN E7 is one of the better sounding headphones on this list delivering clear vocals, clear bass, and crispy percussion. In addition, you can control the music without the need to grab your smartphone, because there are buttons fitted in on the side that let you optimize the sound, skip tracks, and answer phone calls.

Moreover, these headphones are connected via Bluetooth technology, which means no more annoying wires when traveling. Also, the COWIN E7 uses NFC paring allowing it to connect to your device quickly.

In addition, upon purchasing the COWIN E7 Active Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones you get a compact traveling case that is lightweight yet rugged so that your headphones will be protected at all times. Also, the earcups can pivot to one side, which means you can turn them into mini speakers when you want to listen with a friend.

These headphones can feel bulky and the headband can sometimes lead users to feel a little strain. Furthermore, the sleek black metallic style is easy to scratch when not looked after.

To conclude, the COWIN E7 Active Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones is a great buy if you’re looking for something that can block out ambient noise and deliver amazing acoustics. In addition, the battery life lasts for an amazing 30 hours and when you run out you can use a AUX wire to play audio.

Tech Specs

Weight: 13.6 ounces

Wireless: Yes

Battery life: 30 Hours

Warranty: 18 months

The Pros

Comfortable to wear

30 hours of battery life and can be used in wired mode after

Stable connections as it uses newer versions of Bluetooth and NFC

The Cons

Can feel a bit bulky at times

Easy to scratch and tear the leather

2. SOL REPUBLIC Tracks HD2 On-Ear Headphones

The luxurious metallic finish and sleek ear cushions give the SOL REPUBLIC Tracks HD2 On-Ear Headphones a unique look and style. The headphones come in 4 different colors, which means you can pick out a style that suits you best. Also, to keep the on-ear design comfortable the headphones use extra thick sonic soft speaker pads that are more durable and pressure free.

Moreover, the connection technology is wired, therefore you won’t have to use smartphone battery life, which is ideal when traveling. Also, you can control the music with the button remote allowing you to adjust the volume, skip songs, and pause/play music.

In addition, the music sounds amazing, because it uses improved noise isolation that blocks out even more ambient sounds than the average headphones. Furthermore, thanks to the high quality premium drivers the bass sounds incredible while keeping the vocals nice and soft.

The SOL REPUBLIC Tracks HD2 Headphones uses an on-ear design which can be uncomfortable for some users and sometimes even cause strain on the ears. Another problem with these headphones are that the noise isolation isn’t customizable, and because of this it can be a safety issue when in public.

In conclusion, if you are looking for traveling headphones with an on-ear design then look no further as the SOL REPUBLIC Tracks HD2 Headphones has all the features you need. The improved sound isolating blocks out any unnecessary sounds and the wide frequency range boosts the overall quality of the audio. Also, the extra thick sonic soft earpads make them comfortable to wear for hours.

Tech Specs

Weight: 6.6 ounces

Wireless: No

Battery life: No batteries included

Warranty: N/A

The Pros

Excellent noise isolation

Button pad lets you control the music

Extra thick sonic soft earpads

The Cons

On-ear design isn’t for everyone

Noise isolation can make you unaware of your surroundings

3. Edifier H650 Hi-Fi On-Ear Headphones

The Edifier H650 Hi-Fi On-Ear Headphones is one of the lightest products on this list weighing only 8.8 ounces. Therefore, they are ideal for traveling as they take up little space and don’t weigh too much. A carrying case is included that protects the headphones when not in use.

Moreover, these headphones are extremely durable and can’t be snapped, because of the flexible stainless steel. You can easily adjust the headband to your size and the earpads can be rotated a full 90 degrees.

In addition, the 40 mm neodymium drivers deliver clear cut audio with superb bass, mids, and highs. Also, the earpads are extremely comfortable to wear and don’t apply too much pressure on the ears whilst wearing. Upon purchasing the Edifier H650 Hi-Fi On-Ear Headphones you get a one year warranty that covers manufacture faults. These headphones are built to last so it’s unlikely you will need to make use of the warranty.

The Edifier H650 Hi-Fi On-Ear Headphones is a great budget headphone, but if you have more money to spend then look at the other price categories on this list. The audio isn’t comparable to premium headphones and they have a slightly cheap feel.

In conclusion, the Edifier H650 Hi-Fi On-Ear Headphones is a great budget option for someone who travels a lot and doesn’t want to break the bank. The foldable design means little storage space is taken up and the flexible body keeps the product durable. Also, you get a one year warranty that covers manufacturing faults.

Tech Specs

Weight: 8.8 ounces

Wireless: No

Battery life: No batteries included

Warranty: 1 Year

The Pros

Flexible design

Budget price

Great noise isolation

The Cons

Too much bending of the headband can leave the headphones deformed

Can be a little uncomfortable to wear after long use

4. AmazonBasics Lightweight On-Ear Headphones

Thanks to the swivel earcups the headphones can lay flat for compact storage, which is great for traveling as this means you’ll have more space to pack other necessary items. Also, only weighing 3.68 ounces you will hardly feel them on your head when listening to music, and the on-ear fit minimizes ambient noise to improve the overall experience.

In addition, these headphones have a wider frequency range than the industry average (12 Hz – 22,000 Hz), which means the audio will sound more vibrant and clearer. The connection technology is wired, therefore you won’t have to worry battery life or keeping your smartphone in range of the headphones.

Moreover, the maximum dB level is 101 and maximum input level is 1000 mW, which means you can play audio at a high level and experience little to no distortion. Also, the headphones come in three different styles, thus offering a more personalized look.

These headphones are one of the better budget options on this list, but it does come with faults. When holding in hand the quality feels cheap and not durable. Also, the on-ear design can cause strain for some people leading to an uncomfortable listening experience.

In summary, the AmazonBasics Lightweight On-Ear Headphones is a good option for travelers on a budget. The foldable and lightweight design makes them easy to transport and when wearing you’ll hardly feel they are there. Also, using a wide frequency response and big drivers the audio sounds loud and can be played up to 101 dB.

Tech Specs

Weight: 3.68 ounces

Wireless: No

Battery life: No batteries included

Warranty: N/A

The Pros

Lightweight design

A good option for people on a budget

Wide frequency range

The Cons

Easy to break

Feels very cheap when holding

5. WorWoder Bluetooth Headphones

The WorWoder Bluetooth Headphones brings amazing stereo Hi-Fi sound directly to your ears thanks to the on-ear design. This allows the earmuffs to isolate the noise not letting any ambient sounds get through. Also, the earpads are made from soft memory protein, which means they won’t put too much strain on the ears whilst wearing.

In addition, the headphones come with built-in buttons that can be used to control the audio without the need to touch your phone. You can also use the HD microphone to take calls hands-free, which is more convenient and faster.

Moreover, you can use these headphones in wired and wireless mode. Both have their benefits, for example wired mode uses up less battery. The charging time is around 2 hours and in return you get 10 hours of playback and talk time.

Compared to other headphones the WorWoder Bluetooth Headphones has less battery storage and no fast charge feature. Also, distortion can be heard if you step out of the connection range or when objects are obscuring the transmitted waves.

In conclusion, the WorWoder Bluetooth Headphones is a great option if you want something cheap that plays music at a relatively good level. The memory foam earpadding is super soft and comfortable to wear, plus the carrying case makes it easy to transport. Also, upon purchasing these headphones you will get a two year warranty.

Tech Specs

Weight: 10.4 ounces

Wireless: Yes

Battery life: 10 Hours

Warranty: 2 Years

The Pros

An excellent budget option

Comfortable to wear

Convenient built-in button pad

The Cons

Short battery life compared to other options

Feels very cheap when holding

Top Traveling Headphones Under $200

The under $200 price category features some of the best options available today. These headphones offer excellent noise cancelation, deep bass, comfortable earpads, and a variety of other features.

The headphones in this price category are ideal for someone who travels a lot as the quality in production and audio has been dramatically increased.

6. Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones

Enjoy a premium listening experience with every song by the Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones that features pure adaptive noise cancelation. The technology continuously pinpoints and blocks out external ambient sounds, while simultaneously optimizing sound quality based on individual fit. This means you can play any genre of music (punk, rock, rap, Hip Hop) and still enjoy one of the best musical experiences ever as the headphones adjust to your genre.

Moreover, taking these headphones on long journeys is ideal and poses no negatives. The big battery life delivers up to 20 hours of playback time and when Pure ANC is off you get an extra 18 hours totaling up to 38 hours on a single charge. Also, the foldable design makes them easy to pack and the premium materials used makes them durable allowing for long distance travel.

In addition, you can control the music without having to touch your smartphone, because the Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones feature button controls located on the side of the earpads. With them you can do multiple things such as adjusting the volume, activating SIRI, and skipping between songs. Also, you can use the headphones to take calls hands-free, since Beats have included a built-in HD microphone.

Unlike other headphones the Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones are optimized for Apple products, which means if you use Android you’ll be missing out on some features. Also, the headphones come without a carrying case so you will have to buy one separately or risk putting them with your other items.

In summary, the Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones is an excellent choice, because of all the must have features that are included. First off, they have a sturdy foldable design and the Pure Active Noise Cancelation keeps you from hearing your surroundings. Plus, the extremely long battery life will keep you entertained with music up to 20 hours of Pure ANC on.

Tech Specs

Weight: 32 ounces

Wireless: Yes

Battery life: 20-40 Hours

Warranty: N/A

The Pros

Pure Active Noise Cancelation is incredibly accurate

Sound quality is out of this world

Battery life can be extended when not using Pure ANC

The Cons

Comes without a carrying pouch

Heavier than most Bluetooth travel headphones

7. Monster DNA On-Ear Headphones

The advanced noise isolating design reduces ambient sounds making the Monster DNA On-Ear Headphones great to use in public areas. Also, the pillow soft ear cushions are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and don’t apply too much pressure when wearing.

Moreover, the DNA headphones are ultra-durable as they can withstand most drops and can be packed tightly with other objects when traveling without a carrying pouch. Also, you can input dual jacks into two different headphones to share the music with a friend, which is a feature that headphones rarely have.

In addition, the sound quality is excellent for all genres, whether it’s deep bass or pop, because the headphones have been tuned to output a lifelike concert musical experience. Furthermore, you can take calls with these headphones if you use the ControlTalk cable made for Apple.

The on-ear design can get uncomfortable if you’re not used to it, which can ruin the overall experience. Also, these headphones are not wireless, which means the cable can be a headache to deal with.

In summary, the style and design of the Monster DNA On-Ear Headphones is excellent and the noise isolation works well for traveling. The drivers have been professionally tuned to work with all genres of music and can be paired with another headphone to both play the same audio. Also, you can take calls using the cable cord included that is designed for Apple products.

Tech Specs

Weight: 9.8 ounces

Wireless: No

Battery life: No batteries included

Warranty: N/A

The Pros

Unique design

L shaped plug in reduces cable overextension

Great noise isolating

The Cons

Cable can get in the way when traveling

ControlTalk cable is optimized only for Apple products

8. COWIN E8 Active Noise Canceling Headphones

The connectivity technology used in the COWIN E8 Active Noise Canceling Headphones is Bluetooth, which means you don’t need to struggle with a cable. In addition, the battery life lasts a whopping 20 hours on 2-3 hours charge and can even be used to take phone calls, since there is a built-in microphone located on the earcup.

Moreover, these headphones come with active noise cancelation that blocks out almost all unnecessary ambient sounds. This also means the audio will sound much better, because there will be no background noises to interrupt you. However, if you are in a situation where you need to hear what’s going on then COWIN has provided you with the option to turn off ANC to stay safe.

Furthermore, the designers and sound engineers of the COWIN E8 focused on the comfort and experience of the audio. The padded earmuffs feel extremely soft and cover the whole ear giving a noise isolating experience. Plus, the audio has been tuned to give off clear vocals, clean bass, and crispy highs.

The only negative we could think of is that the COWIN E8 Active Noise Canceling Headphones are quite bulky and can sometimes feel heavy when wearing. Also, the over-ear design can make it harder to hear your surroundings – even when the active noise cancelation is turned off.

In summary, the COWIN E8 Active Noise Canceling Headphones is a great option for someone who is looking to travel a lot. The noise cancelation is excellent and can be turned off when you need to hear your surroundings. Also, the audio sounds amazing delivering clear vocals and crispy low bass.

Tech Specs

Weight: 15.2 ounces

Wireless: Yes

Battery life: 20 Hours

Warranty: 18 Months

The Pros

Active noise cancelation is amazing

Easy to use

Audio sounds great

The Cons

Even when ANC is off it’s still hard to hear your surroundings

Feels bulky when wearing

Top Traveling Headphones Under $350

Are you looking for the top notch travel headphones, but can’t seem to decide which is best? The options we provide here have been researched thoroughly and we have come to the conclusion that these travel headphones are the best in the market.

The build quality and audio is substantially better than the other price categories and if you have the budget to purchase one of these headphones then go for it.

9. Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort 35 is a great traveling headphone that can hold up to 20 hours of playback charge and up to 40 hours when in wired mode. In addition, the charging time is extremely fast at less than 2 hours. Connect via Bluetooth technology really fast, because of the built-in NFC pairing that automatically establishes connections from headphone to smartphone.

Moreover, the ear padding is extremely soft and comfortable to wear for long durations. The tight fit also provides a noise canceling experience, which reduces ambient noise to a minimum. In addition, you can adjust the level of noise cancelation to better suit your environment, for example if you are at a train station then zero noise cancelation would be best to stay safe.

Furthermore, the volume optimized EQ makes your music always sound excellent whether you’re on an airplane or working in an office. Also, the headphones have a built-in microphone located on the side of the earpad, which can be used to take hand-free calls no matter where you are.

The only minus we can come up with the Bose QuietComfort 35 is the price tag. Costing around $350 these headphones are not for the budget customer. However, if you do have the money to get these headphones then look no further as the Bose QuietComfort 35 is one of the best option in the market.

To conclude, the Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) is an excellent travel headphone that has a battery life of 20 hours and 40 hours when in wired mode. The optimized EQ delivers outstanding audio directly to your ears and regulates itself depending on the volume. Also, the noise cancelation can be adjusted depending on your situation.

Tech Specs

Weight: 8.3 ounces

Wireless: Yes

Battery life: 20 Hours

Warranty: N/A

The Pros

Ultra-high quality audio

Noise cancelation can be adjusted

Long battery life

The Cons

Not for the budget customer

A lot of water can damage the drivers

10. Sony Noise Canceling Headphones WH1000XM2

The digital noise cancelation in the Sony WH1000XM2 is industry leading eliminating any distracting background sounds to a minimum. Also, smart listening technology detects your activity to automatically adjust the noise cancelation based on where you are and what you are doing.

In addition, the combination of the noise canceling technology and drivers used in the Sony WH1000XM2 can output outstanding beats with ease. Using a wide frequency response of 4 Hz to 40k Hz the headphones can play more notes making the audio sound amazing. Also, you can listen to music strain free for hours, because the Sony headphones use premium padded earmuffs.

Moreover, the headphones come with touch control, which means you can adjust the volume, change tunes, and pause music without the need to touch your smartphone. Also, you can answer incoming calls, because the Sony WH1000XM2 has a built-in HD microphone. Plus, you can use the mic to activate Google assistant and interact.

One big negative with the Sony WH1000XM2 is the connection range and strength. Static can be heard if objects are in the way of your smartphone and the headphones, because the transmitted waves get distorted. Also, these headphones are not waterproof, which means you can’t use them to go jogging or the gym.

To conclude, the Sony WH1000XM2 is one of the more premium items on this list, because of its amazing sound quality and noise cancelation. Featuring digital noise canceling and smart listening the headphones adjust to your surroundings. In addition, the long battery life of 30 hours makes them ideal to travel with as you won’t be running out of power any time soon.

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Joseph Flynt

I love diving into the latest and greatest in emerging technologies and seeing what they can do. I enjoy running when I'm not thinking about tech.